The following information is a summary about Premarin. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Premarin medication prescribed?
Premarin/Estrogen is a hormone, a substance produced by the body. It is needed for normal growth and development of female sex organs and for functions such as bearing children. During menopause, the body's production of estrogen is decreased. Premarin/Estrogen replacement is used for symptoms associated with menopause: hot flashes (feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest), sweating, sleep disturbance, vaginal discomfort (dryness and itchiness), poor concentration, and irritability. Premarin also is used in the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women and breast and prostate cancer in men.
Premarin/Estrogen is also used with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise to slow the progression of osteoporosis, a disease common in women after menopause resulting in bones that break easily.
How should this Premarin medicine be used?
Premarin/Estrogen comes as a tablet to take by mouth, Premarin patches to apply externally to the skin, and as a Premarin cream to be inserted into the vagina.
Oral Premarin/estrogen is usually taken by mouth with food or milk either every day or on a cyclical basis: Premarin once a day for 21 days and then none for 7 days; then the cycle is repeated. However, for treating cancer Premarin usually is taken three times a day every day for at least 3 months.
Premarin skin patches are usually applied either once or twice weekly for three weeks (on the same days each week), followed by 1 week without the drug (patch); then the cycle is repeated. The Premarin package is designed to help you remember when to apply fresh skin patches.
To apply a Premarin skin patch, follow the directions provided and these steps:
Remove the Premarin skin patch from its protective pouch and peel off the protective strip, exposing the adhesive surface.
Place the Premarin adhesive side against a clean, dry, and not excessively hairy area of skin on the trunk of your body, preferably your abdomen (not your waistline or breasts, since tight clothing may rub the patch). Do not apply the patch to oily, broken, or irritated skin.
Press the Premarin patch on the selected site firmly with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds, making sure that the edges adhere to your skin. If the Premarin patch accidentally comes off, you can either reapply it or apply a fresh patch, but follow your regular dosing schedule.
Remove and discard the Premarin patch and apply a fresh patch according to the schedule prescribed by your doctor.
To prevent skin irritation, use a different site for each Premarin application and wait at least 1 week before using a particular area again. Used Premarin patches should be cut up and disposed in a way that keeps them out of reach of children and pets.
To use the Premarin vaginal cream, your doctor will set up a dosage schedule for you. If you are to use Premarin once a day, it is best to use it at bedtime. Follow the Premarin directions that come with the vaginal cream and these steps:
Fill the special applicator that comes with the cream to the level indicated.
Lie on your back with your knees drawn upward and spread apart.
Gently insert the applicator into the vagina; then push the plunger to release the medication.
Withdraw the Premarin applicator.
Discard the applicator if it is disposable. If the applicator is reusable, pull it apart and clean it with soap and warm water after each use.
Wash your hands promptly.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor any questions you have about using the vaginal cream. You may wish to wear a sanitary napkin after inserting the cream to keep your clothes clean.
Follow the Premarin directions on your Premarin prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Premarin pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Premarin/estrogen exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Premarin or take Premarin more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking Premarin/estrogen without talking to your doctor.
Ask your Premarin pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's Premarin information for the patient.
What special Premarin precautions should I follow?
Before taking Premarin/estrogen,
tell your doctor and Premarin pharmacist if you are allergic to Premarin/estrogen, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other medications.
tell your doctor and Premarin pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antibiotics or anti-infectives, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, phenytoin (Dilantin), primidone (Mysoline), rifampin, steroids (Decadron, Medrol, Prednisone), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma; epilepsy (seizures); migraine headaches; history of depression; liver, heart, gallbladder, or kidney disease; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); genital bleeding; and excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during the menstrual cycle.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Premarin/estrogen, call your doctor immediately.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Premarin/estrogen.
tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this Premarin drug.
tell your doctor and Premarin pharmacist if you wear contact lenses.
What side effects can this Premarin medication cause?
Premarin/Estrogen may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these Premarin symptoms are severe or do not go away:
upset stomach
stomach cramps
bloating
diarrhea
appetite and weight changes
glucose intolerance (increased blood sugar)
brown or black skin patches
acne
swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs (fluid retention)
increased blood pressure
bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
changes in menstrual flow
painful or missed periods
breast tenderness, enlargement, or secretion
intolerance to contact lenses
Some Premarin side effects may be serious. The following Premarin symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
severe stomach pain
yellowing of the skin or eyes
severe mental depression
unusual bleeding
loss of appetite
Premarin/Estrogen may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this Premarin medication.
What should I do if I forget a Premarin dose?
Take the missed Premarin dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Premarin dose, skip the missed Premarin dose and continue your regular Premarin dosing schedule. Do not take a double Premarin dose to make up for a missed one.
What other Premarin information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Premarin.
Do not let anyone else take your Premarin medication. Ask your Premarin pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Premarin prescription.
What storage conditions are needed for Premarin?
Keep Premarin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Premarin at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Premarin medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Premarin medication.
Other uses for this Premarin medicine
This Premarin medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Premarin information.
In case of Premarin emergency/overdose
In case of Premarin overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
